Es Salt d’en Portes

What makes Es Salt d’en Portes special

Within walking distance of the centre of Sant Antoni de Portmany lies Es Salt d’en Portes, a small, semicircular cove on the rocky coast. You’ll also find it under the name Cala Alto de Porta. It’s on the north side of the bay of Sant Antoni, between Caló des Moro and the Aquarium Cap Blanc.

Sheltered by a low cliff, a cluster of huts and boathouses stands on a pebbly shore. When the sea is calm, you can see the sandy bottom through the water. There are apartment blocks behind it, so it’s hardly remote. The town council describes it as a quiet spot in a lively tourist area.

Getting there and parking

You can walk there from the centre along the coastal path past Caló des Moro, heading north. A small flight of steps links the coastal path with the boathouses and the water.

Carry on north and after a few hundred metres you reach the Aquarium Cap Blanc. It’s a former fish farm in a natural cave, with marine life found in the waters around the Balearic Islands.

There’s no checked information about parking. As the cove is on a walking route, walking from the centre is the obvious choice.

Facilities

There are no beach bars, sunloungers or parasols at the cove itself. Bring water, and something to eat if you like. For food and drink, head back to the centre of Sant Antoni.

The boathouses aren’t a public facility. They’re used to store boats and fishing gear, so leave the doors, slipways and boats alone.

Tips for your visit

• Wear shoes with good grip: the steps and pebbles can be slippery.
• Water shoes are handy on the pebbles and rocks.
• Combine the cove with a walk along the coastal path to Caló des Moro or the Aquarium Cap Blanc.
• The bay of Sant Antoni faces west, so from here you can watch the sun set over the sea.
• Take your rubbish away with you.

Coastal walk via Caló des Moro and Salt d’en Portes (Visit Sant Antoni)

Safety and nature

The shore here is all rocks and pebbles. When there are waves, look carefully where you get in and out of the water. There’s no information about lifeguards, so assume you’re swimming unsupervised.